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Roenicke still mulling over Narveson's role

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Narveson on his comeback 1:27

Brewers pitcher Chris Narveson talks about his comeback from shoulder surgery after throwing off the mound during Spring Training

By Adam McCalvy
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MLB.com |

ST. LOUIS -- A successful 40-pitch bullpen session Saturday pushed left-hander Chris Narveson another step closer to returning from a finger injury. But will he return to the Brewers' starting rotation or bullpen?

That remains an open question.

"I really haven't thought about it that much, other than trying to figure out our starters and where we're going with them," manager Ron Roenicke said. "Hopefully, we continue to get better in that area. If we don't we need to make some changes to our starting rotation. … I'm kind of 'one step at a time' with [Narveson]. When he's ready to go, then we'll see where we are with the rotation."

The rotation is all right-handed at the moment. The bullpen will have two lefties once Tom Gorzelanny returns from the DL in about a week. Gorzelanny is on track to throw a bullpen session on Sunday and will face hitters on Tuesday at Miller Park. He is eligible to return to action beginning May 23.

"I don't know that three left-handers in the bullpen really is ideal," Roenicke said.

Narveson, on the disabled list since April 8 with a sprained middle finger on his left hand, threw his full assortment of pitches on Saturday. He expects to throw a similar session early in the Brewers' upcoming homestand, followed by a simulated game, likely followed by a rehab assignment.

Narveson is open-minded about his role upon returning.

"I'm just trying to get healthy right now," he said. "I don't know what their plans are, but I'll be ready either way."

Adam McCalvy is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Brew Beat, and follow him on Twitter at @AdamMcCalvy. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.